FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 29, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman and Rhonda Copley, Boyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney, jointly announced that a man charged with the murders of two sisters received two life sentences.
In Boyd Circuit Court, John Tooson, 36, received two life sentences for the 2022 killings of Selina Easter and Summer Algarakhuly. Tooson pleaded guilty to two counts of Murder, one count of Robbery First Degree (Class B Felony), one count of Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon (Class C Felony), one count of Wanton Endangerment (Class D Felony), and being a Persistent Felony Offender.
Tooson, who had been in a relationship with Selina, 20, terrorized her and Summer,18, inside Easter’s apartment in June 2022. He shot both women, while Summer’s newborn daughter was in a nearby room. Tooson later fled and was captured by authorities in Ohio.
Both Selina and Summer were mothers.
The victim impact statements delivered in court centered on the children forced to grow up without their mothers. One family member stated, “I was only ever supposed to be her aunt.” Adding of the little girl she is now raising, “She will never know what it feels like to run into her mother Summer’s arms after a bad day. She will never hear Summer call her name from another room, braid her hair, help her choose what color to paint her nails, or wipe away her tears after her first heartbreak.”
Click here for a picture of Selina and Summer.
“The plea and sentencing of John Tooson brings accountability for the senseless and tragic loss of two young lives, Selina and Summer. Nothing can bring Selina and Summer back to their young children and family, but our office hopes that this plea and sentencing can bring peace to the family,” said Rhonda Copley, Commonwealth Attorney for the 32nd Judicial Circuit. “We are grateful to the Ashland Police Department for their work on this case. Our thoughts remain with the family as they continue to grieve Selina and Summer.”
“A mother can never be replaced. The sentences delivered do not heal the emptiness left behind, but, we hope, provide justice for all those who loved these two young women,” said Attorney General Coleman.
Ashland Police Department investigated the case. Copley and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kierston Rosen were assisted by the Attorney General’s Violent Crime Resource Prosecutor Tom Lockridge.
Tooson could be eligible for parole after 25 years. His picture is available here.